We can't get over the almost-black, vampy lips that graced the red carpet at the 2012 Met Costume Gala. And though it's usually a staple shade for fall, celebs like Camilla Belle, Kate Bosworth, and Lana Del Ray showed it's just as wearable in the spring.

"This dark, sultry hue is the new statement lip color," says celebrity makeup artist, Erica Whelan. "Especially at an event where people are going to take fashion risks, like the Met Gala, since a red lip might have come across as too retro-looking."

But that doesn't mean you can only rock this blackberry color if you're attending a star-studded event. Just going out with the girls? Whelan suggests keeping the rest of your makeup subdued, much like Camilla and Kate did. "It's also important to wear the right shade for your skin tone," she says.

If you're fair, go with a more pinkish-purple berry blend (Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in Black Cherry, $9.94, amazon.com); for medium skin tones, use a red-brick berry hue (L'Oréal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Java Jolt, $6.98, walgreens.com); darker complected women will look best in a dark burgundy option (Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in Black Tie, $30, dior.com). Just wanna take a baby step into this trend? A sheer version is the way to go. Try Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $15, clinique.com.

No matter what color you choose, just remember: the more matte the better, since adding a glossy finish to your entire mouth can be overkill—and could cause your lipstick to bleed. If you want to add a little shine, dab some clear gloss to just the center of your pout.